After a year of uncertainty and big changes, the Jolys Regional Library has officially opened in its new location at 479 Turenne Street, around the corner from its former home attached to École Héritage Immersion School.
And if the crowd at Tuesday's grand opening BBQ was any indication, this little library means a lot to the people of St. Pierre.
The journey to the new space began back in June 2024, when the Red River Valley School Division (RRVSD) announced that the library, which was inside a school building, would no longer be accessible to the general public during school hours due to safety concerns. The decision followed a public safety incident in nearby Otterburne/Niverville, which led to school closures.
Superintendent Brad Curtis said at the time, “We had to make a tough call, but student safety comes first.”
That decision sparked the formation of a local advocacy group, Friends of the Library, who pushed Village Council to act fast in finding a new home for the public library. By fall, Council had secured a new building, and after months of renovations, box-packing, and shelf-building, the brand new Jolys Regional Library opened its doors on July 22, 2025.
“Now we're in control of our own destiny”
St. Pierre Councillor Marc Proulx was all smiles during the grand opening event, which included a community BBQ and tours of the new space.
“First of all, by having our own facility, that means we gain control of what’s happening in there,” said Proulx. “Like the kinds of things we do for the kids, activities for seniors, bilingual programs. It’s not that our relationship with the school division wasn’t good, it’s just now we can set our own direction.”
Proulx noted that the move gave staff the chance to do a much-needed cleanup.
“We were able to cull a lot of the old books from 30 years ago,” he said. “Now we’re already talking about getting new and upcoming titles. So, this change has been a good thing in more ways than one.”
As for the turnout at the BBQ on opening day?
“I did not expect this many people to show up,” Proulx laughed. “We ran out of pop and had to go grab more. And I’m just glad the rain held off.”
He added that the building itself is nearly finished, with just a few touches left, including some sidewalk upgrades and plans for beautifying the front entrance.
“But the main thing is, we’re fully permitted and open. So now all that’s left to say is, ‘Come on down!’”
A full heart for the librarian
Inside the new space, Head Librarian Krista Maynard was beaming.
“Oh my. It’s incredible,” said Maynard. “We’ve waited so long for this moment, and the community showed up in such a big way. My heart is full.”
Maynard said visitors were excited to be back and couldn’t wait to jump into programs like Makers Night or children’s story time.
“I think we’ve signed up at least ten new library patrons just tonight. That’s amazing.”
She notes that most of the furniture and shelving from the old space made the move, and has now just been rearranged to better fit the new layout.
And the best part?
“A family came in earlier, the kids had big smiles, grabbed a book, and started playing right away,” said Maynard. “And I just thought… yeah. This is what it’s all about.”
The Jolys Regional Library, located at 479 Turenne Street, is now open to the public and ready for a fresh chapter in a brand-new space, with the community behind it every step of the way.
So, how long will the St. Pierre library be at this location? The answer is unknown; however, Marc Proulx is excited that one day, perhaps in the near future, there will be one more move, which will be into the new Le Rendez-Vous Community Recreation Centre.
Jolys Regional Library's new hours are:
Monday & Wednesday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tuesday & Thursday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Closed Fridays and Sundays